Undoubtedly, chemistry is key to improving the standard of living in multiple ways. While some branches of chemistry, such as biochemistry, focus on living systems, others provide a better understanding of how different materials are synthesized and produced on an industrial level. Whether we are talking about personal care products or synthetic materials, industrial chemistry is what makes it possible to manufacture these goods. Although it is pretty obvious that the discovery and development of new and already-existing materials is crucial, you may not be aware of how industrial chemistry actually works. To highlight the importance of this branch of chemistry, here are ten reasons why industrial chemistry matters.
#1. Industrial Chemistry Is Involved in the Synthesis of Chemicals
While some chemicals are used for the production of more advanced materials, others are utilized in their pure forms. For instance, labs use a variety of chemicals to perform analysis, conduct experiments, or develop new formulations. But how do they obtain these chemicals? Industrial chemistry is responsible for the synthesis of chemicals in large quantities that can be later used for a broad range of applications. Besides, industrial chemistry ensures that the chemicals are synthesized efficiently in reasonable yields.
#2. Industrial Chemistry Is Key to Producing Useful Materials
Along with synthesizing chemicals in large quantities, industrial chemists use these chemicals and other raw materials to manufacture more useful and complex products. In other words, industrial chemistry is involved in the manufacture of synthetic substitutes for natural materials. While the production of these materials is the primary objective, industrial chemistry is also responsible for controlling the manufacturing processes and discarding by-products, also referred to as industrial waste.
#3. Industrial Chemists Improve the Processes of Chemical and Material Manufacturing
Synthesizing and producing different chemicals and materials is a complex process. Instead of using the same exact routes for manufacturing goods over and over again, chemists constantly work on developing new techniques or on improving already-existing ones. This ensures that the chemicals and materials are manufactured efficiently without wasting too much of the starting reagents or producing excess amounts of by-products. As technologies and approaches advance continuously, industrial chemists need to improve the processes of material production as well.
#4. Industrial Chemistry Is Important in the Synthesis and Production of Drugs
Industrial chemistry is essential for the development of the pharmaceutical industry. This is because industrial chemists work on the synthesis and production of medicine. From chemical analysis and synthesis to drug production and improvement, industrial chemistry plays a crucial role in medicine. Besides, chemists constantly work on discovering new molecules that can be used for the synthesis of more effective medication. While some drugs are synthesized from natural chemicals, others include synthetic materials, such as nanoparticles or nanomedicines.
#5. Industrial Chemistry Assists the Production of Personal Care Products
When it comes to the production of personal care products, industrial chemistry is what makes these goods available. From makeup and skincare products to toiletries and perfumes, industrial chemists formulate, synthesize, and produce a broad range of goods that we use on a daily basis. Without industrial chemistry, we would not have access to personal care products that actually work without irritating our skin or affecting our health.
#6. Industrial Chemistry Is Essential for the Production of Safe and Effective Food Additives
Food additives are chemicals that are added to food to either maintain or improve its characteristics, including but not limited to taste, texture, appearance, shelf-life, or even safety. When making food on a large scale, it is pretty much essential to use food additives and preservatives. To make the food safe for consumption, industrial chemists formulate and develop substances that are both harmless and effective.
#7. Industrial Chemistry Is Involved in the Production of Fertilizers and Pesticides
While fertilizers and pesticides are essential on many occasions, they can also lead to numerous severe issues, including but not limited to soil degradation, soil compaction, nitrogen leaching, and the reduction of organic materials in the soil. Besides, pesticides can also cause diseases, such as cancer, ADHD, or even birth defects. To minimize the risks of adverse side effects, it is crucial to formulate and develop safe and effective fertilizers and pesticides. This is exactly when industrial chemistry comes into play.
#8. Industrial Chemistry Is Fundamental to the Production of Synthetic Fibers
While natural fibers are derived from natural sources (living organisms), synthetic fibers are produced from various chemicals and through a set of chemical reactions. Industrial chemists formulate and synthesize a large range of synthetic fibers, including but not limited to polyester, nylon, polyurethane, and acrylics. The role of industrial chemists is to produce synthetic fibers that offer some advantages while being relatively inexpensive compared to natural fibers.
#9. Industrial Chemistry Plays a Crucial Role in the Development of Electronic Devices
Although it may sound bizarre, chemistry is involved in the production of electronic components and devices. Industrial chemists provide a better understanding of how to use different materials to improve the properties of various devices. Without chemists, engineers would not be able to produce lightweight, durable, and functional electronic parts and gadgets that we use today.
#10. Industrial Chemistry Allows Scientists to Reduce Environmental Pollution
Evidently, environmental pollution is among the most critical concerns scientists face today. Reducing pollution is fundamental to protecting our planet while enhancing the health of living beings. In order to discover ways to decrease the level of environmental pollution, industrial chemists develop relatively safe ways to synthesize and produce different chemicals and materials. They also take into account the principles of environmental chemistry to manufacture the safest products possible.
